Jackson, 57, becomes the third top city official to leave following the Justice Department's investigation that found systemic racial bias by police and court officials. Judge Ronald Brockmeyer and City Manager John Shaw resigned earlier this week.

Lt. Col. Al Eickhoff will serve ask acting chief until the city completes a nationwide search for a new police chief, the city said in a press release. Jackson will receive a severance payment and health insurance for one year.

That Justice Department's review found Ferguson Police Department engaged in a broad pattern of racially biased enforcement that permeated the city's justice system, including the use of unreasonable force against African American suspects. The report also criticized the city's municipal court system.

Missouri Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, who represents the city in the state legislature, welcomed the resignation.

"I'm elated," she said. "We have been waiting for him to go for months and he was so hardheaded about leaving. He put his personal interests before Ferguson and the region."